The Los Angeles Lakers’ pursuit of Jonathan Kuminga has continued to confirm that the team needs a starting-caliber power forward.
Kuminga, 23, is ascending but still far from proven. The Lakers have tried to sell Kuminga on a featured role in a Luka Doncic-led offense, but the free agent forward has continued to hold off on a commitment as he searches for a more lucrative offer.
There is plenty of upside for the Lakers if they land Kuminga. But there could also be plenty of drawbacks. Especially if the Lakers acquire Kuminga through a sign-and-trade with the Atlanta Hawks, they’ll be tied to him for at least three seasons, given such a deal cannot be on a short-term contract.
Instead, the Lakers should keep their options open and explore the trade market some more.
Rising Indiana Pacers Star Could Be a Bargain for the Lakers
GettyINDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 25: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball while defended by Jarace Walker #5 of the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 25, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
When it comes to low-risk/high-reward options, Indiana Pacers power forward Jarace Walker could be a quality target.
A former No. 8 overall pick, Walker’s career started slowly before he began coming into his own for the struggling Pacers last season. Walker, 22, could be an excellent trade target for the Lakers if Indiana is willing to do business. The former lottery pick has the tools to be a consistent starter at power forward, which the Lakers are desperately looking for.
Here’s a trade framework that could send Walker to the Lakers.
Lakers receive: Jarace Walker
Pacers receive: Jake LaRavia, Dalton Knecht and second round picks in 2031 and 2032 (from LAL, via WAS)
A package like this certainly would be insignificant for the Lakers. In fact, it may take at least this much to acquire a player the Pacers might view as a long-term option. It is definitely debatable whether Indiana would deal a 22-year-old rising frontcourt star, but if it means swapping him for another starting-caliber forward and a sharpshooter with untapped potential plus a pair of draft picks, that could convince the Pacers to move Walker.
Walker Would Be a Super Safe Bet for L.A.
Adding talented young players is never a bad thing, especially when the best player on the team is 27 and at the start of his prime.
Walker is entering the final season of his contract and is set to earn $8.4 million next season. The fact that Indiana has not extended him yet could indicate that it is open to trading Walker if presented with a strong offer.
For the power forward-needy Lakers, Walker could be a strong option and a much safer one than Kuminga.
Last season, the Pacers big man appeared in 76 games and averaged a career-high 11.6 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. He played substantial 25.7 minutes per game. In those minutes, Walker attempted close to five 3-pointers per contest, knocking down over 37 percent of his tries from beyond the arc.
At 6’7”, he is a bit undersized, which slightly hurts his ability to excel as an interior defender and rim protector.
Kuminga may have higher two-way upside, but the younger Walker is the more polished offensive threat.
Projected NBA Trade Gives Lakers 22-Yr-Old Star PF to Pair With Luka Doncic